Lincoln Mali, CEO of Lesaka Technologies Inc. (Southern Africa), hired five graduates on the spot after being recognised a visionary leader at the EPF Tech Awards, which are in their third year.
Mali is a seasoned business leader and author with over 25 years of experience in financial services. He was recognised for pushing financial inclusion through fintech innovation.
His leadership at Lesaka Technologies Inc. has established the company as a prominent player in the evolving payments landscape.
Lesaka’s primary focus is on financial inclusion, offering financial services to previously underserved communities and merchants.
Mali's acceptance speech emphasised the significance of mentoring and investing in youth as a means of driving positive change in South Africa.
He went on to describe his own experience, emphasising the critical role mentors played in his rise to the CEO position of Lesaka, which is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the NASDAQ in the US.
In his remarks, he emphasised a strong commitment to empowering young people, stating that collaborative efforts and the use of technology are critical in addressing societal challenges, and encouraged the audience to assist the next generation and view awards as a source of incentive for continued growth.
Mali explained further: “I didn't see a future for myself. But there were people who believed in me as a young person. Who saw a future in me that I didn't see for myself. Who invested in me that I could stand here today as a CEO of a NASDAQ listed company. Where you start is not where you end. That is why I am passionate about the youth.
He continued: “I'm passionate about investing in this generation that can take South Africa from where it is to the promise that it gave to the world in 1994. So tonight, I just think about this room. Every once in a while, a room like this reminds us that there may be a future we've been waiting for.”
Mali went to say: “It's about partnerships, real ones, grounded in purpose, those that can multiply and impact because when the right people meet, something catalytic happens.”
The EPF Tech Awards recognise and promote the potential of technology in driving social impact and inclusive innovation across Africa.
The awards were founded on the notion that young innovators and entrepreneurs deserve support to scale their solutions and get recognition.
Joanna Govender, EPF CEO, commented about the organisation's impact, saying: "In the past year, we have seen incredible innovation come from every corner of the country — from the townships, from the rural areas, from the smallest startups, to emerging leaders.”
She added: “We launched new programmes, strengthened partnerships, and expanded our reach to so that those with ideas and talent have the platforms, networks, and resources to scale.”
Share